Abstract
* Abbreviation: PES — : performance-enhancing substance The use of legal performance-enhancing substances (PESs) is common among adolescents, particularly boys.1 Approximately one-third of all youth use creatine, protein powders, or dietary supplements,2–4 and an even greater proportion of athletes and college students do so.5,6 Although previous studies have correlated legal PES use with future use of illegal PESs,7,8 in a study in this issue of Pediatrics , Ganson et al9 explore a broader role for PESs as a gateway to alcohol and other substance use. There are 2 key points to recognize when addressing this topic: 1. “PES” is a misleading term. Most legal supplements marketed for athletic performance enhancement are ineffective at increasing muscle mass or athletic performance beyond what can be achieved through appropriate nutrition and training.1,10 They are not truly performance enhancing. 2. Many adolescents, both athletes and nonathletes, are using PESs primarily in pursuit of a more muscular appearance, rather than for performance-oriented goals. This recognition has spurred an evolution of terminology, with increasing use of “appearance and PESs” in place of the … Address correspondence to Steven Cuff, MD, FAAP, Division of Sports Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 584 County Line Rd West, Westerville, OH 43082. E-mail: steven.cuff{at}nationwidechildrens.org
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
